Electrical wire end connector

ABSTRACT

A mechanical end connector for covering and maintaining the bared ends of twisted electrical conductors. The device includes a hingedly interconnected inner clamp element of tapered configuration, and a surrounding correspondingly tapered sleeve into which the clamp element is wedged to a point where interlocking means are engaged to prevent removal without cutting or destroying the sleeve element.

United States Patent [191 4 Connan 11] 21,464 11m 2%, ram

[76] Inventor:

[ ELECTRMIAL WlllllE END CUNNEQTQR Maxwell 1H1. Connan, 240 Glen Head Rd, Glen Head, NY. 11545 22 Filed: Nov. 17, 11972 21 App1.l 1o.:307,591l

3,056,852 10/1962 Sachs ..l74/153G Primary ExaminerDarrell L. Clay Attorney, Agent, or FirmCharles E. Temke 5 7 ABSTRACT A mechanical end connector for covering and maintaining the bared ends of twisted electrical conductors. The device includes a hingedly interconnected inner clamp element of tapered configuration, and a surrounding correspondingly tapered sleeve into which the clamp element is wedged to a point where [56] References Cit d interlocking means are engaged to prevent removal UNITED STATES PATENTS without cutting or destroying the sleeve element.

2,534,881 12/1950 Schroeder 174/87 X l (Ilaim, 4 Drawing Figures ELECTRICAL WIRE END CONNECTOR This invention relates generally to the field of devices employed for covering the twisted ends of interconnected electrical conductors, both to insulate the same from contact against any conductive surface, and to assist in maintaining the conductors in twisted condition. Devices of this general type are known in the art, and the invention lies in specific constructional details which permit ease of installation, and the installation of a covering device which cannot be readily removed, thereby permitting utility of the device under restrictive electrical codes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART proved electrical boxes. Further, the degree of engagei ment of the device upon the twisted wire terminals is not predetermined, and is substantially the result of the degree of torque applied to the same as it is threadedly engaged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Briefly stated, the invention contemplates the provision of a hinged clamp element forming, in folded condition, a pair of jaws each defining complementary recesses for the accommodation of the interconnected portions of a pair of twisted conductors, and staggered teeth to engage the insulative covering of the conductor at points immediately adjacent thereto. The outer surface of the clamp element is tapered to frustoconical configuration, and is provided with an arcuate ridge. The clamp element is enclosed within a sleeve element having a corresponding internal taper and arcuate groove, the axially directed insertion of the clamp element within the sleeve element causing the clamp element to close upon the conductor to firmly grip the same, and engagement of the ridge within the groove locks the parts permanently against separation.

, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the drawing, to which reference will be made in the specification, similar reference characters have been employed to designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view showing an embodiment of the invention in a first stage of assembly.

FIG. 2 is a similar side elevational view showing a second stage of assembly.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view as seen from the upper portion of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal central sectional view showing the device in fully assembled condition, and in engagement with an enclosed end of a pair of interconnected conductors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENT In accordance with the invention, the device, generally indicated by reference character 10, comprises broadly: a bifurcated clamp element Ill and a tubular sleeve element 1l2, slidably engageable thereon. In the preferred form, both elements are preferably formed as injection moldings from suitable synthetic resinous material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and materials having similar insulative properties The clamp element 11 includes first and second jaws l4 and I5, respectively, interconnected by a hinge portion 16. Each jaw includes an outer end wall l7, a conical wall 18 and an inner end wall 119. Adjacent the inner end wall 19 is an elongated recess 20 bounded by first and second end surfaces 21 and 22, respectively, and a conical surface 23. An inner axially aligned planar surface 24 supports one or more transversely extending locking ridges 25 which are ranked in staggered relation with respect to the ridges on the opposite jaw, the ridges cooperating with teeth 26 on the inner end wall 19 to firmly engage the outer surface of the insulative portion of a pair of conductors.

The sleeve element 12 includes a conical side wall 28 and a planar end wall 29. The side wall 26 is bounded by an outer surface 30 of generally cylindrical configuration, and an inner surface 31, the taper of which corresponds to that of the wall 18 on each of the jaws l4 and 15. The inner surface 13 extends from an open end 32 to a closed end 33, and includes an arcuate recess 34 corresponding in location to that of an arcuate ridge 35 on the conical surface 23.

The end wall 29 includes an opening for the introduction of a plurality of conductors 38-39, the ends of which have been bared and twisted together at 40.

The disclosed embodiment is illustrated in conjunction with the interconnection of a pair of conductors, but it will be understood that, where desired, as many conductors may be engaged as are desired. To facilitate installation, all of the conductors are preferably arranged in a common plane so as to be most conveniently clamped by the element 11 upon closing.

Installation of the device III) is progressively illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, inclusive. The conductors 38-39 are first insertedthrough the opening 38 in the end wall 29, either before or after the interconnection of the ends 40, to a degree to permit the clamp element 11 to be closed thereupon. The ends 40 will normally be located within the abutted recesses 20, so that the ridges 25 may engage upon the insulative material 42. The clamp element lll is then manually closed as shown in FIG. 2, and inserted into the opened end of the sleeve element 12, manual pressure being exerted upon the outer end walls 17 which are then aligned as shown in FIG. 4. This action may be assisted by pulling upon the conductors 38 and 39, the engagement of the clamp element llll thereupon being tightened as the clamp element progressively enters the sleeve element. When the clamp element is fully seated, the ridge 35 enters the recess 34 to form a seated interconnection resisting subsequent disengagement, which can then be accomplished only by cutting the sleeve element, should for any reason this become necessary.

I wish it to be understood that I do not consider the invention limited to the precise details of structure shown and set forth in this specification, for obvious face of said clamp element, said clamp element being positioned within said bore in said sleeve element serving to wedge said jaws into tightened condition upon said conductors positioned therebetween; said outer surface of said clamp element including an outwardly projecting ridge, said conical bore including a recess engaging said ridge providing a permanent interlocking action therebetween; said clamp element being integrally molded from synthetic resinous material and having a transversely extending end wall having sellhinging means enclosing said recess. 

1. A device enclosing the interconnected exposed ends of a plurality of insulated electrical conductors comprising: an inner clamp element having a pair of hingedly interconnecting clamping jaws, each of said jaws defining a complimentary recess accommodating said exposed ends, and inwardly facing teeth engaging the insulative covering adjacent said exposed ends, said jaws having a substantially continuous frustoconical outer surface; and an outer sleeve element having a conical bore therein corresponding to said outer surface of said clamp element, said clamp element being positioned within said bore in said sleeve element serVing to wedge said jaws into tightened condition upon said conductors positioned therebetween; said outer surface of said clamp element including an outwardly projecting ridge, said conical bore including a recess engaging said ridge providing a permanent interlocking action therebetween; said clamp element being integrally molded from synthetic resinous material and having a transversely extending end wall having self-hinging means enclosing said recess. 